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MotoGP : Di Giannantonio Cracks lap record In Germany

Fabio Di Giannantonio led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian turned a lap time of 1:19.071. Not only was that good enough to lead the 20-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Jorge Martin’s 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:19.423.

Alex Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:19.408 on his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24.

Marc Marquez, the current World Championship point leader, was third at 1:19.461 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25. 

Fabio Quartararo finished the session fourth with a 1:19.524 on his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pedro Acosta got fifth with a lap time of 1:19.560.

Classification practice motogp

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez dethrone Marc Marquez on Friday. The VR46 Italian sets a new Sachsenring lap record to lead the championship top two on Day 1, as Yamaha and KTM pocket top five Practice results. 

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) fastest at the Sachsenring? Not today. That accolade went the way of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) after the Italian clocked an outstanding new all-time lap record to lead the MotoGP field by a whopping three tenths. That 1:19.071 was a belter and the closest challenger to it was Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) despite the #73 nursing his left hand fracture, a phenomenal effort from the Spaniard, as Marc Marquez is forced to settle for P3 in Practice.

 

A SLICE OF EARLY DRAMA FOR BEZ

Less than 10 minutes into Practice, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) suffered a tip off at the final corner to get his session off to a far from ideal start. Meanwhile, it was Marc Marquez sitting at the summit after the first 20 minutes, the #93 was 0.191s clear of second place Di Giannantonio.

 

THE FIGHT FOR Q2

The top two stayed the same as we approached the final 20 minutes, with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) provisional P3 ahead of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol). However, we were yet to see a flurry of soft tyre time attacks come in, so we strapped ourselves in for a busy end to Friday. The usual state of play for a MotoGP Friday afternoon.

There was a small crash for Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) at Turn 1 and shortly after, Marc Marquez ran on at the same part of the circuit briefly after enduring a big moment coming up the hill at Turn 10. An eventful end to a seamless middle stint in Practice for the championship leader.

With 13 minutes to go, Acosta set a 1:19.843 to go 0.031s behind Marc Marquez, as Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) climbed to P5. A lap later, Acosta improved again and this time, it was good enough to knock Marc Marquez off top spot – a 1:19.772 was now the benchmark.

Acosta and KTM’s time at the top didn’t last very long though. Marc Marquez, with fresh rear Michelin soft rubber, sailed back to P1 to lead Di Giannantonio and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP). Marc Marquez and Di Giannantonio went quicker again on their second efforts, the gap between the leading duo was 0.128s with nine minutes left.

When he needed it, walking wounded Alex Marquez fired in a 1:19.649 to slot himself into the top three. That was a cracking effort, and surely that was enough to book his place into the top 10?

P3 was then Bezzecchi’s as the Italian responded to his early crash in fine style, but then another Italian was third quickest as Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rose up the order. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was on a flyer though and soon enough, the Dutch GP polesitter was P2, 0.063s away from Marc Marquez, as Acosta then rejoined the top three party with three minutes to go.

Before the close of play, we had two more changes. First, Alex Marquez beat his brother and title rival, but then Di Giannantonio cooked up that phenomenal, table-topping time to head into Saturday as the rider to beat – and by some distance too. What a session for the Italian, and it’s was equally impressive stuff by Alex Marquez to earn P2 following his injury woes in Assen.

 

THE AUTOMATIC Q2 CONTENDERS

Quartararo ended Friday in P4 ahead of Acosta and Yamaha and KTM stick their noses inside the top five in Germany. Morbidelli was sixth quickest ahead of Bezzecchi and Miller, the Aussie making sure two YZR-M1s are into Q2, as Bagnaia holds onto a top 10 place in P9 ahead of Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

 

COMING UP: QUALI AND THE TISSOT SPRINT

So it’s Di Giannantonio who acts as the rider to be so far in Germany, but we’re expecting the weather to now play a leading role in proceedings. You don’t want to miss any of Saturday’s action at the Sachsenring.

MotoGP Practice results from the Sachsenring!

 

Moto2 : Vietti Breaks Record At Sachsenring

Celestino Vietti led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Folladore SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Italian lapped the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:22.329, topping the field of 28 riders and breaking Somkiat Chantra’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:22.698 from 2024.

Senna Agius was second-best with a time of 1:22.459 on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex. His teammate, Manuel Gonzalez did a third-fastest 1:22.606. 

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 8th with a best time of 1:22.838 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification practice moto2

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Vietti ends Friday on top in Moto2™ as Championship contenders head for Q1. Relentless and intense, the Sachsenring doesn’t give an inch – neither at the top or bottom of the standings. 

The sun continued to beat down for Moto2™ at the Sachsenring and leaving it late, Celestino Vietti (Folladore SpeedRS Team) put Boscoscuro on top on Friday in Germany. The Italian set the lap time in the closing minutes, rocketing up the order and disrupting the Kalex party at the front. Elsewhere and there were headlining names who found themselves mired down the field and will have the added pressure of graduating from Q1 on Saturday.

A strong session for Vietti, who fired himself into P1 with around five minutes left on the clock. His 1’22.329 was enough to beat Senna Agius (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) by 0.130s; improving in the final seven minutes and with a new contract in his back pocket for 2026, Agius was in good form and went top provisionally, in the end finishing in P2 ahead of his Championship-leading teammate Manuel Gonzalez, who was 0.147s further adrift and not fully at one with his Kalex.

Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) had a solid session to finish up in P4, guaranteeing his slot in Q2. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) clinched fifth at the flag, just 0.049s ahead of a very impressive Ayumu Sasaki (RW – Idrofoglia Racing GP), the best we’ve seen of the Japanese rider in 2025, finishing in P6.

Filip Salac (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) had a small tip off at Turn 1 whilst he was ay the top of the timesheets; he was able to walk away and get back to his box, ending his day in 7th. Further down and there was drama for three of the top five riders in the Championship standings. Assen winner Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) all find themselves in Q1 having finished 16th, 17th and 18th respectively. In P15, Yuki Kunii (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) missed out by just 0.050s and will be looking to get into Q1 with the big names too.

Full Moto2 Practice results!

Moto3 : Muñoz Sets New Lap Record In Germany

David Muñoz led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. The Spaniard used his Pirelli-shod LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM to lap the 2.28-mile (3.67 KM) track in 1:24.767, which led the field of 26 riders and broke Collin Veijer’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:24.885 from 2024.

David Almansa, riding his Leopard Racing Honda, was second-best with a time of 1:25.127.

Scott Ogden claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:25.172 on his CIP Green Power KTM.

Classification practice moto3

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Muñoz fronts Sachsenring Friday by three tenths. The Spaniard sets a new all-time lap record to lead Almansa and Ogden on Day 1 in Germany. 

A 1:24.767, a new Moto3 lap record around the Sachsenring, gave David Muñoz top spot as the Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP team enjoy a great start to their home Grand Prix in Germany. David Almansa (Leopard Racing) heads into Saturday in P2, 0.360s away from Muñoz’s blistering time, as FP1 table topper Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) sails into qualifying day as the third fastest rider.

After a mechanical issue disrupted Maximo Quiles’ morning, but the CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team enjoyed a better afternoon Practice stint to claim an automatic Q2 spot for the first time since Silverstone. Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) grabbed a solid top five to sit less than half a second behind Muñoz, with last year’s podium finisher, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), sixth best.

Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) left it late to jump into the top 14, but that’s exactly what he did on his penultimate lap, and his World Championship leading teammate Jose Antonio Rueda is safely into the pole position shootout too.

Dutch GP podium finisher Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) is one name in the Q1 battle, as we wait and see what the weather will bring on Saturday.

Moto3 Practice results from Germany!

WorldSSP : Mahias Quickest In Opening Practice In England

Lucas Mahias was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship practice Friday morning at Donington Park, in England. Riding his GMT94-YAMAHA YZF R9 on Pirelli control tires, the Frenchman covered the 2.50-mile (4.02 km) road course in 1:29.535, topping the field of 34 riders.

Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:29.723 on his BLU CRU Evan Bros Yamaha YZF R9. 

Stefano Manzi, riding his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing YZF R9, was third with a lap time of 1:29.846. 

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 5th with a 1:30.041 on his Renzi Corse Ducati Panigale V2.

Results WSSP FP

WorldSBK : Lowes Tops Opening Practice At Donington Park

Alex Lowes was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 Friday morning at Donington Park, in England. Riding his Pirelli-shod Kawasaki bimota KB998 Rimini on the 2.50-mile (4.02 km) track, the home hero recorded a 1:26.544 to lead the field of 24 riders.

Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:26.545 on his Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R. 

Toprak Razgatlioglu was third-fastest with a 1:26.592 on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR. 

American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 10th with a 1:27.289 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR. 

Results WSBK FP1

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

0.001s IN IT: home hero Alex Lowes pips Bulega in WorldSBK FP1, Razgatlioglu claims P3. British rider Alex Lowes started his home weekend in the perfect fashion as he secured top spot in FP1 at Donington Park; three different manufacturers in the top three. 

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) claimed top spot in Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the Donington Park action kicked off under sunny skies and with temperatures rising. Just 0.001s separated the Brit and title race leader Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in second after the #11 left it late to move into second, while Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was third in the opening session of the Prosecco DOC UK Round – with less than half a tenth between the top three.

Times rapidly fell in the first half of the 45-minute session as riders adjusted to the Donington circuit as the sun beat down on the UK. FP1 was topped by home hero Alex Lowes on the KB998 Rimini, with the #22 stating he felt hot conditions helped the bike and very warm conditions were expected in the UK this weekend. The Bimota rider set a 1’26.544s to top the opening session of the weekend ahead of Bulega, who left it late to move into P2 and ‘Bulegas’ was only 0.001s slower than the pacesetter. The Championship leader usurped Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in the final 10 minutes of the session to demote his title rival into P3, but only 0.048s separated ‘El Turco’ from top spot.

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed fourth spot with a 1’26.948s, finishing four tenths away from P1 but finishing as the second-fastest Ducati rider. He was ahead of fellow Independent star Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) as ‘The Maniac’ gradually built up his pace to claim P5, ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team). The #14 posted a 1’27.132s, missing out on P4 by less than two tenths.

Two rookies finished in the top eight. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team), who raced here in WorldSSP last year, set a 1’27.129s as he claimed an impressive P7. Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) is making his first WorldSBK paddock appearance at Donington Park but it’s a circuit he knows well from the British Superbike championship and that showed as he finished in eighth place, 0.006s clear of Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Action) in ninth. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) completed the top ten with Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) finished as the lead Yamaha rider in P11; he was 0.847s away from P1.

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

1. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) 1’26.544s

2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.001s

3. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.048s

4. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.404s

5. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) +0.477s

6. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.588s

Don’t miss WorldSBK FP2 at 15:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now HALF PRICE!

MotoGP : M. Marquez Heads Opening Practice At Sachsenring

Marc Marquez  topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Michelin-shod Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25, the six-time World Champion turned a lap of 1:20.372 around the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) track and led the 20-rider field.

Jack Miller was second-best with a 1:20.481 on his Prima Pramac Yamaha YZR-M1. 

Marco Bezzecchi was third with a lap of 1:20.687 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.

Classification FP1 Motogp

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

Marc Marquez strikes first with FP1 honours in Germany. Five manufacturers inside the top five but a familiar name at the top of the standings at the Sachsenring. 

Short, sharp and packed full of energy, the Sachsenring is one of the quirkiest circuit’s on the calendar. FP1 in MotoGP is ticked off, with Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) leading the way under dark clouds, even if the forecasted rain held off. It got close towards the end though, with the top 15 covered by less than a second.

Nobody expected anyone else at the top of the standings straight out of the box on Friday morning; Marc was in the groove and with a P1 time set in the opening third of the session. Moving up the order and challenging the #93 for top spot in the closing stages, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was in contention. A strong start for Yamaha and the Australian, just ahead of Assen sensation Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing). There was a small crash at Turn 1 for Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) but that didn’t bother the Frenchman on his way to fourth, whereas making it five manufacturers inside the top five was Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) on the KTM.

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) were next up, ahead of the next Yamaha, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). After a step forward at Assen for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Pecco was slightly behind in P9 on Friday morning at the Sachsenring, ahead of Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), making it three Yamahas inside the top ten and a strong start for the Iwata brand.

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was P13 and fell late on at Turn 3, just one place ahead of the returning Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), having suffered a fractured left hand at Assen.

Full results from MotoGP FP1!

Moto2 : American Roberts Tops Opening Practice In Germany

American Joe Roberts was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Pirelli-shod OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex on the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) track, Roberts recorded a 1:23.072 to lead the field of 28 riders.

The Brit, Jake Dixon was the best of the rest with a 1:23.087 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro.

Spaniard Manuel Gonzalez was third-fastest with a 1:23.139 on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

Classification moto2 fp1

 

Moto3 : Ogden Quickest In Opening Practice In Germany

Scott Ogden was quickest during Moto3 World Championship practice Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his CIP Green Power KTM on Pirelli control tires, the Briton covered the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:25.707, topping the field of 24 riders.

Jose Antonio Rueda was the best of the rest with a 1:25.834 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo. 

Joel Kelso was third with a lap time of 1:25.873 on his LEVELUP-MTA KTM.

Classification FP1 moto3

Texas Mini Cup Final Race Preview

Final Round For Texas Mini Cup This Weekend. 
 
The Texas Mini Cup’s final round will be held this Saturday, July 12, at KartMoto in Cresson Texas. The first round will feature qualifying races for all six of the Mission MotoAmerica Mini Cup classes: Stock 50 (ages 6 – 8), Stock 110 (8-12), GP 110 (ages 8-12), GP 160 (ages 10-14), GP 190 (ages 12-16), and Street GP (ages 12 and up).
 
7 additional support classes will also be running too: PW 50, Mini, Super Mini, Unlimited Mini, 300 SS, 400 SS. Supermoto classes available as well: 450 SM with an extra race GP at the end of the day! 
 
Please refer to the website for complete class and tech information here: Rider Info.
 
Entry ends at 9:00 am on race day and can be done online at any time here:
  https://texasminicup.alphatiming.co.uk/register/events/15641. The late entry fee is waived for this round! KartMoto will be hosting a practice day on Friday, July 11 for $75 (non-KartMoto members) and $25 (KartMoto members) The track will go hot on Friday at 9:00 am.  New Racer School will be available starting at noon, and costs $30. Please sign up at the registration link for New Racer School. 
 
Saturday’s schedule starts at 6:30 am with Registration and Tech opening, and a riders meeting at 7:30 am. Track goes hot at 8:00 am with practice for all classes, followed by qualifying and sprint races. A lunch break is slated for around 12:00 pm, and will last 30 minutes. Urban Lawn Catering will have food items available for purchase inside the club house.
 
The afternoon schedule consists of the longer Grand Prix races for all classes, with a podium ceremony at the end of the day. The champions will also be announced and class bonuses awarded at this round in final preparation for the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup season finale at  Road America, August 8-10.
 
We race Rain or Shine!
 
Gate fee is $10 per person, and both spectators and racers must sign the track and Texas Mini Cup waivers in registration and get a wristband.
 
Thank you to our sponsors for their support: Artisan’s Editions, Dunlop, FLo4law Racing, KYT Helmets, Star GP Academy, Keystone Roofing, Leather & Lace Racing Leather Repair, Pirelli, South Central Race Center, and The Hughes family. 
 
Please contact [email protected] for any questions. Looking forward to seeing you at the track!

Honda National Technician Contest Returns for Year Two

  • Online qualification test is now open to technicians from Honda dealerships
  • Finalists will earn a trip to Georgia to compete for $16,000 in prizes

Following the successful inaugural edition of the Honda National Technician Contest, American Honda Motor Co. has confirmed that the event is back for year two. The competition, which is organized to promote Honda’s Powersports technical training programs, features technicians from Honda dealerships across the country competing head-to-head. It is comprised of an online qualification test to determine eight finalists (four in the Two Wheel class, four in the Four Wheel category), who will take part in a weeklong in-person showdown in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The 75-question, multiple-choice online qualification test is already open to all active Honda Powersports technicians (except for past National Champions). As before, eight finalists will earn all-expenses-paid trips to the National Finals at Honda’s Alpharetta Training Center, January 26-30, 2026. There, they will compete in both on-vehicle and off-vehicle competitions, during which they will be judged on their technical knowledge, technique, procedures, precision and speed. The prize packages for each of the two National Champions will be worth $8,000.

“The inaugural Honda National Technician Contest was a great success, so we’re happy to confirm the competition’s return for year two,” said Jeremy Merzlak, American Honda Director of the Aftersales Experience Division. “The event showcases the impressive level of technical capability and know-how offered at U.S. Honda dealerships, as exemplified by our inaugural champions—Southern Honda Powersports’ Joel Christensen in the Two Wheel category and Honda of Fairfield’s Jacob Curtis in the Four Wheel division. It was awesome to bring these individuals, who are typically behind the scenes, into the spotlight. We’re excited to do the same with our finalists and champions in 2026.”

National Champions from the 2025, 2026 and 2027 editions will compete for the chance to travel to Japan for the Honda Global Technician Contest in the fall of 2027.

For more information, please visit the Honda National Technician Contest website.

 

About American Honda: 
Honda began motorcycle sales in America in 1959, and today offers a full range of Honda motorcycles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-sides in the U.S. Innovative technology always has been a Honda trademark, showcasing pioneering engine and chassis design that has set the standard for excellence for more than 65 years. Honda also has announced plans for battery-electric powersports products. Honda Powersports products have been built in America for 45 years, and today, all Honda side-by-sides and ATVs are made in America at Honda manufacturing plants in Timmonsville, SC, and Swepsonville, NC, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Learn more at https://powersports.honda.com

MotoGP : Di Giannantonio Cracks lap record In Germany

Fabio Di Giannantonio was fastest this afternoon during the practice session. Photo courtesy VR46 Racing Team.
Fabio Di Giannantonio was fastest this afternoon during the practice session. Photo courtesy VR46 Racing Team.

Fabio Di Giannantonio led MotoGP World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati Desmosedici GP25 on spec Michelin tires, the Italian turned a lap time of 1:19.071. Not only was that good enough to lead the 20-rider field, it was also good enough to eclipse Jorge Martin’s 2024 All-Time Lap Record of 1:19.423.

Alex Marquez was the best of the rest with a 1:19.408 on his BK8 Gresini Ducati Desmosedici GP24.

Marc Marquez, the current World Championship point leader, was third at 1:19.461 on his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25. 

Fabio Quartararo finished the session fourth with a 1:19.524 on his Monster Energy Yamaha YZR-M1.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pedro Acosta got fifth with a lap time of 1:19.560.

Classification practice motogp

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

Di Giannantonio and Alex Marquez dethrone Marc Marquez on Friday. The VR46 Italian sets a new Sachsenring lap record to lead the championship top two on Day 1, as Yamaha and KTM pocket top five Practice results. 

Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) fastest at the Sachsenring? Not today. That accolade went the way of Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) after the Italian clocked an outstanding new all-time lap record to lead the MotoGP field by a whopping three tenths. That 1:19.071 was a belter and the closest challenger to it was Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) despite the #73 nursing his left hand fracture, a phenomenal effort from the Spaniard, as Marc Marquez is forced to settle for P3 in Practice.

 

A SLICE OF EARLY DRAMA FOR BEZ

Less than 10 minutes into Practice, Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) suffered a tip off at the final corner to get his session off to a far from ideal start. Meanwhile, it was Marc Marquez sitting at the summit after the first 20 minutes, the #93 was 0.191s clear of second place Di Giannantonio.

 

THE FIGHT FOR Q2

The top two stayed the same as we approached the final 20 minutes, with Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) provisional P3 ahead of Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) and and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol). However, we were yet to see a flurry of soft tyre time attacks come in, so we strapped ourselves in for a busy end to Friday. The usual state of play for a MotoGP Friday afternoon.

There was a small crash for Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) at Turn 1 and shortly after, Marc Marquez ran on at the same part of the circuit briefly after enduring a big moment coming up the hill at Turn 10. An eventful end to a seamless middle stint in Practice for the championship leader.

With 13 minutes to go, Acosta set a 1:19.843 to go 0.031s behind Marc Marquez, as Miguel Oliveira (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) climbed to P5. A lap later, Acosta improved again and this time, it was good enough to knock Marc Marquez off top spot – a 1:19.772 was now the benchmark.

Acosta and KTM’s time at the top didn’t last very long though. Marc Marquez, with fresh rear Michelin soft rubber, sailed back to P1 to lead Di Giannantonio and Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP). Marc Marquez and Di Giannantonio went quicker again on their second efforts, the gap between the leading duo was 0.128s with nine minutes left.

When he needed it, walking wounded Alex Marquez fired in a 1:19.649 to slot himself into the top three. That was a cracking effort, and surely that was enough to book his place into the top 10?

P3 was then Bezzecchi’s as the Italian responded to his early crash in fine style, but then another Italian was third quickest as Franco Morbidelli (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rose up the order. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) was on a flyer though and soon enough, the Dutch GP polesitter was P2, 0.063s away from Marc Marquez, as Acosta then rejoined the top three party with three minutes to go.

Before the close of play, we had two more changes. First, Alex Marquez beat his brother and title rival, but then Di Giannantonio cooked up that phenomenal, table-topping time to head into Saturday as the rider to beat – and by some distance too. What a session for the Italian, and it’s was equally impressive stuff by Alex Marquez to earn P2 following his injury woes in Assen.

 

THE AUTOMATIC Q2 CONTENDERS

Quartararo ended Friday in P4 ahead of Acosta and Yamaha and KTM stick their noses inside the top five in Germany. Morbidelli was sixth quickest ahead of Bezzecchi and Miller, the Aussie making sure two YZR-M1s are into Q2, as Bagnaia holds onto a top 10 place in P9 ahead of Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).

 

COMING UP: QUALI AND THE TISSOT SPRINT

So it’s Di Giannantonio who acts as the rider to be so far in Germany, but we’re expecting the weather to now play a leading role in proceedings. You don’t want to miss any of Saturday’s action at the Sachsenring.

MotoGP Practice results from the Sachsenring!

 

Moto2 : Vietti Breaks Record At Sachsenring

Celestino Vietti was fastest this afternoon in Germany. Photo courtes Dorna.
Celestino Vietti was fastest this afternoon in Germany. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Celestino Vietti led Moto2 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Folladore SpeedRS Team Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Italian lapped the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:22.329, topping the field of 28 riders and breaking Somkiat Chantra’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:22.698 from 2024.

Senna Agius was second-best with a time of 1:22.459 on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex. His teammate, Manuel Gonzalez did a third-fastest 1:22.606. 

American Joe Roberts finished Friday afternoon’s practice session 8th with a best time of 1:22.838 on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Classification practice moto2

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Vietti ends Friday on top in Moto2™ as Championship contenders head for Q1. Relentless and intense, the Sachsenring doesn’t give an inch – neither at the top or bottom of the standings. 

The sun continued to beat down for Moto2™ at the Sachsenring and leaving it late, Celestino Vietti (Folladore SpeedRS Team) put Boscoscuro on top on Friday in Germany. The Italian set the lap time in the closing minutes, rocketing up the order and disrupting the Kalex party at the front. Elsewhere and there were headlining names who found themselves mired down the field and will have the added pressure of graduating from Q1 on Saturday.

A strong session for Vietti, who fired himself into P1 with around five minutes left on the clock. His 1’22.329 was enough to beat Senna Agius (LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP) by 0.130s; improving in the final seven minutes and with a new contract in his back pocket for 2026, Agius was in good form and went top provisionally, in the end finishing in P2 ahead of his Championship-leading teammate Manuel Gonzalez, who was 0.147s further adrift and not fully at one with his Kalex.

Marcos Ramirez (OnlyFans American Racing Team) had a solid session to finish up in P4, guaranteeing his slot in Q2. Aron Canet (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) clinched fifth at the flag, just 0.049s ahead of a very impressive Ayumu Sasaki (RW – Idrofoglia Racing GP), the best we’ve seen of the Japanese rider in 2025, finishing in P6.

Filip Salac (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) had a small tip off at Turn 1 whilst he was ay the top of the timesheets; he was able to walk away and get back to his box, ending his day in 7th. Further down and there was drama for three of the top five riders in the Championship standings. Assen winner Diogo Moreira (Italtrans Racing Team), Jake Dixon (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) and Barry Baltus (Fantic Racing Lino Sonego) all find themselves in Q1 having finished 16th, 17th and 18th respectively. In P15, Yuki Kunii (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) missed out by just 0.050s and will be looking to get into Q1 with the big names too.

Full Moto2 Practice results!

Moto3 : Muñoz Sets New Lap Record In Germany

David Muñoz was fastest this afternoon in Germany. Photo courtesy Intact GP Team.
David Muñoz was fastest this afternoon in Germany. Photo courtesy Intact GP Team.

David Muñoz led Moto3 World Championship practice Friday afternoon at Sachsenring, in Germany. The Spaniard used his Pirelli-shod LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP KTM to lap the 2.28-mile (3.67 KM) track in 1:24.767, which led the field of 26 riders and broke Collin Veijer’s All-Time Lap Record of 1:24.885 from 2024.

David Almansa, riding his Leopard Racing Honda, was second-best with a time of 1:25.127.

Scott Ogden claimed the third and final spot on the front with a lap time of 1:25.172 on his CIP Green Power KTM.

Classification practice moto3

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Muñoz fronts Sachsenring Friday by three tenths. The Spaniard sets a new all-time lap record to lead Almansa and Ogden on Day 1 in Germany. 

A 1:24.767, a new Moto3 lap record around the Sachsenring, gave David Muñoz top spot as the Liqui Moly Dynavolt Intact GP team enjoy a great start to their home Grand Prix in Germany. David Almansa (Leopard Racing) heads into Saturday in P2, 0.360s away from Muñoz’s blistering time, as FP1 table topper Scott Ogden (CIP Green Power) sails into qualifying day as the third fastest rider.

After a mechanical issue disrupted Maximo Quiles’ morning, but the CFMOTO Gaviota Aspar Team enjoyed a better afternoon Practice stint to claim an automatic Q2 spot for the first time since Silverstone. Jacob Roulstone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) grabbed a solid top five to sit less than half a second behind Muñoz, with last year’s podium finisher, Taiyo Furusato (Honda Team Asia), sixth best.

Alvaro Carpe (Red Bull KTM Ajo) left it late to jump into the top 14, but that’s exactly what he did on his penultimate lap, and his World Championship leading teammate Jose Antonio Rueda is safely into the pole position shootout too.

Dutch GP podium finisher Valentin Perrone (Red Bull KTM Tech3) is one name in the Q1 battle, as we wait and see what the weather will bring on Saturday.

Moto3 Practice results from Germany!

WorldSSP : Mahias Quickest In Opening Practice In England

Lucas Mahias during the WSBK Round at Misano. Photo courtesy GMT94 Team.
Lucas Mahias during the WSBK Round at Misano. Photo courtesy GMT94 Team.

Lucas Mahias was quickest during FIM Supersport World Championship practice Friday morning at Donington Park, in England. Riding his GMT94-YAMAHA YZF R9 on Pirelli control tires, the Frenchman covered the 2.50-mile (4.02 km) road course in 1:29.535, topping the field of 34 riders.

Can Oncu was the best of the rest with a 1:29.723 on his BLU CRU Evan Bros Yamaha YZF R9. 

Stefano Manzi, riding his Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing YZF R9, was third with a lap time of 1:29.846. 

Former MotoAmerica Supersport regular Valentin Debise was 5th with a 1:30.041 on his Renzi Corse Ducati Panigale V2.

Results WSSP FP

WorldSBK : Lowes Tops Opening Practice At Donington Park

Home hero, Alex Lowes was fastest this morning during FP1 at Donington Park. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Home hero, Alex Lowes was fastest this morning during FP1 at Donington Park. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Alex Lowes was quickest during FIM Superbike World Championship Free Practice 1 Friday morning at Donington Park, in England. Riding his Pirelli-shod Kawasaki bimota KB998 Rimini on the 2.50-mile (4.02 km) track, the home hero recorded a 1:26.544 to lead the field of 24 riders.

Nicolo Bulega was the best of the rest with a 1:26.545 on his Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Panigale V4R. 

Toprak Razgatlioglu was third-fastest with a 1:26.592 on his ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team M1000RR. 

American Garrett Gerloff finished the opening session in 10th with a 1:27.289 on his Kawasaki ZX-10RR. 

Results WSBK FP1

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

0.001s IN IT: home hero Alex Lowes pips Bulega in WorldSBK FP1, Razgatlioglu claims P3. British rider Alex Lowes started his home weekend in the perfect fashion as he secured top spot in FP1 at Donington Park; three different manufacturers in the top three. 

Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) claimed top spot in Free Practice 1 for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship as the Donington Park action kicked off under sunny skies and with temperatures rising. Just 0.001s separated the Brit and title race leader Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) in second after the #11 left it late to move into second, while Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) was third in the opening session of the Prosecco DOC UK Round – with less than half a tenth between the top three.

Times rapidly fell in the first half of the 45-minute session as riders adjusted to the Donington circuit as the sun beat down on the UK. FP1 was topped by home hero Alex Lowes on the KB998 Rimini, with the #22 stating he felt hot conditions helped the bike and very warm conditions were expected in the UK this weekend. The Bimota rider set a 1’26.544s to top the opening session of the weekend ahead of Bulega, who left it late to move into P2 and ‘Bulegas’ was only 0.001s slower than the pacesetter. The Championship leader usurped Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) in the final 10 minutes of the session to demote his title rival into P3, but only 0.048s separated ‘El Turco’ from top spot.

Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) claimed fourth spot with a 1’26.948s, finishing four tenths away from P1 but finishing as the second-fastest Ducati rider. He was ahead of fellow Independent star Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) as ‘The Maniac’ gradually built up his pace to claim P5, ahead of Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team). The #14 posted a 1’27.132s, missing out on P4 by less than two tenths.

Two rookies finished in the top eight. Yari Montella (Barni Spark Racing Team), who raced here in WorldSSP last year, set a 1’27.129s as he claimed an impressive P7. Ryan Vickers (Motocorsa Racing) is making his first WorldSBK paddock appearance at Donington Park but it’s a circuit he knows well from the British Superbike championship and that showed as he finished in eighth place, 0.006s clear of Scott Redding (MGM BONOVO Action) in ninth. Garrett Gerloff (Kawasaki WorldSBK Team) completed the top ten with Jonathan Rea (Pata Maxus Yamaha) finished as the lead Yamaha rider in P11; he was 0.847s away from P1.

The top six from WorldSBK FP1, full results here:

1. Alex Lowes (bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team) 1’26.544s

2. Nicolo Bulega (Aruba.it Racing – Ducati) +0.001s

3. Toprak Razgatlioglu (ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team) +0.048s

4. Danilo Petrucci (Barni Spark Racing Team) +0.404s

5. Andrea Iannone (Team Pata GoEleven) +0.477s

6. Sam Lowes (ELF Marc VDS Racing Team) +0.588s

Don’t miss WorldSBK FP2 at 15:00 Local Time (UTC+2) using the WorldSBK VideoPass – now HALF PRICE!

MotoGP : M. Marquez Heads Opening Practice At Sachsenring

Marc Marquez was fastest this morning in Germany. Photo courtesy Ducati Corse Team.
Marc Marquez was fastest this morning in Germany. Photo courtesy Ducati Corse Team.

Marc Marquez  topped MotoGP World Championship Free Practice One (FP1) Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Michelin-shod Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici GP25, the six-time World Champion turned a lap of 1:20.372 around the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) track and led the 20-rider field.

Jack Miller was second-best with a 1:20.481 on his Prima Pramac Yamaha YZR-M1. 

Marco Bezzecchi was third with a lap of 1:20.687 on his Aprilia Racing RS-GP25.

Classification FP1 Motogp

 

More from a press release issued by Dorna: 

Marc Marquez strikes first with FP1 honours in Germany. Five manufacturers inside the top five but a familiar name at the top of the standings at the Sachsenring. 

Short, sharp and packed full of energy, the Sachsenring is one of the quirkiest circuit’s on the calendar. FP1 in MotoGP is ticked off, with Marc Marquez (Ducati Lenovo Team) leading the way under dark clouds, even if the forecasted rain held off. It got close towards the end though, with the top 15 covered by less than a second.

Nobody expected anyone else at the top of the standings straight out of the box on Friday morning; Marc was in the groove and with a P1 time set in the opening third of the session. Moving up the order and challenging the #93 for top spot in the closing stages, Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) was in contention. A strong start for Yamaha and the Australian, just ahead of Assen sensation Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing). There was a small crash at Turn 1 for Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) but that didn’t bother the Frenchman on his way to fourth, whereas making it five manufacturers inside the top five was Maverick Viñales (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) on the KTM.

Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) and Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol) were next up, ahead of the next Yamaha, Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP). After a step forward at Assen for Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team), Pecco was slightly behind in P9 on Friday morning at the Sachsenring, ahead of Miguel Oliveira (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP), making it three Yamahas inside the top ten and a strong start for the Iwata brand.

Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was P13 and fell late on at Turn 3, just one place ahead of the returning Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), having suffered a fractured left hand at Assen.

Full results from MotoGP FP1!

Moto2 : American Roberts Tops Opening Practice In Germany

Joe Roberts during the MotoGP round in Italy. Photo courtesy American Racing Team.

American Joe Roberts was quickest during Moto2 World Championship Free Practice Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his Pirelli-shod OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex on the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) track, Roberts recorded a 1:23.072 to lead the field of 28 riders.

The Brit, Jake Dixon was the best of the rest with a 1:23.087 on his ELF Marc VDS Racing Team Boscoscuro.

Spaniard Manuel Gonzalez was third-fastest with a 1:23.139 on his LIQUI MOLY Dynavolt Intact GP Kalex.

Classification moto2 fp1

 

Moto3 : Ogden Quickest In Opening Practice In Germany

Scott Ogden was fastest this morning at Sachsenring. Photo courtesy CIP Green Power Team.
Scott Ogden was fastest this morning at Sachsenring. Photo courtesy CIP Green Power Team.

Scott Ogden was quickest during Moto3 World Championship practice Friday morning at Sachsenring, in Germany. Riding his CIP Green Power KTM on Pirelli control tires, the Briton covered the 2.28-mile (3.67 km) road course in 1:25.707, topping the field of 24 riders.

Jose Antonio Rueda was the best of the rest with a 1:25.834 on his Red Bull KTM Ajo. 

Joel Kelso was third with a lap time of 1:25.873 on his LEVELUP-MTA KTM.

Classification FP1 moto3

Texas Mini Cup Final Race Preview

Super Mini grid 061425.jpg - Maverick Johnson (#163), Tanner Rhodes (#11), Kellan Funkhouser (#279), Craig Thompson (#144) on the starting grid for the GP190/Super Mini race, KartMoto, Cresson, TX. Photo Credit: Photographer Jeff Kulchinski/Model T Photography.
Super Mini grid 061425.jpg - Maverick Johnson (#163), Tanner Rhodes (#11), Kellan Funkhouser (#279), Craig Thompson (#144) on the starting grid for the GP190/Super Mini race, KartMoto, Cresson, TX. Photo Credit: Photographer Jeff Kulchinski/Model T Photography.
Final Round For Texas Mini Cup This Weekend. 
 
The Texas Mini Cup’s final round will be held this Saturday, July 12, at KartMoto in Cresson Texas. The first round will feature qualifying races for all six of the Mission MotoAmerica Mini Cup classes: Stock 50 (ages 6 – 8), Stock 110 (8-12), GP 110 (ages 8-12), GP 160 (ages 10-14), GP 190 (ages 12-16), and Street GP (ages 12 and up).
 
7 additional support classes will also be running too: PW 50, Mini, Super Mini, Unlimited Mini, 300 SS, 400 SS. Supermoto classes available as well: 450 SM with an extra race GP at the end of the day! 
 
Please refer to the website for complete class and tech information here: Rider Info.
 
Entry ends at 9:00 am on race day and can be done online at any time here:
  https://texasminicup.alphatiming.co.uk/register/events/15641. The late entry fee is waived for this round! KartMoto will be hosting a practice day on Friday, July 11 for $75 (non-KartMoto members) and $25 (KartMoto members) The track will go hot on Friday at 9:00 am.  New Racer School will be available starting at noon, and costs $30. Please sign up at the registration link for New Racer School. 
 
Saturday’s schedule starts at 6:30 am with Registration and Tech opening, and a riders meeting at 7:30 am. Track goes hot at 8:00 am with practice for all classes, followed by qualifying and sprint races. A lunch break is slated for around 12:00 pm, and will last 30 minutes. Urban Lawn Catering will have food items available for purchase inside the club house.
 
The afternoon schedule consists of the longer Grand Prix races for all classes, with a podium ceremony at the end of the day. The champions will also be announced and class bonuses awarded at this round in final preparation for the MotoAmerica Mission Mini Cup season finale at  Road America, August 8-10.
 
We race Rain or Shine!
 
Gate fee is $10 per person, and both spectators and racers must sign the track and Texas Mini Cup waivers in registration and get a wristband.
 
Thank you to our sponsors for their support: Artisan’s Editions, Dunlop, FLo4law Racing, KYT Helmets, Star GP Academy, Keystone Roofing, Leather & Lace Racing Leather Repair, Pirelli, South Central Race Center, and The Hughes family. 
 
Please contact [email protected] for any questions. Looking forward to seeing you at the track!

Honda National Technician Contest Returns for Year Two

A Honda technician demonstrates skill and focus during the National Technician Contest. Photo courtesy American Honda Motor Co.
A Honda technician demonstrates skill and focus during the National Technician Contest. Photo courtesy American Honda Motor Co.
  • Online qualification test is now open to technicians from Honda dealerships
  • Finalists will earn a trip to Georgia to compete for $16,000 in prizes

Following the successful inaugural edition of the Honda National Technician Contest, American Honda Motor Co. has confirmed that the event is back for year two. The competition, which is organized to promote Honda’s Powersports technical training programs, features technicians from Honda dealerships across the country competing head-to-head. It is comprised of an online qualification test to determine eight finalists (four in the Two Wheel class, four in the Four Wheel category), who will take part in a weeklong in-person showdown in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The 75-question, multiple-choice online qualification test is already open to all active Honda Powersports technicians (except for past National Champions). As before, eight finalists will earn all-expenses-paid trips to the National Finals at Honda’s Alpharetta Training Center, January 26-30, 2026. There, they will compete in both on-vehicle and off-vehicle competitions, during which they will be judged on their technical knowledge, technique, procedures, precision and speed. The prize packages for each of the two National Champions will be worth $8,000.

“The inaugural Honda National Technician Contest was a great success, so we’re happy to confirm the competition’s return for year two,” said Jeremy Merzlak, American Honda Director of the Aftersales Experience Division. “The event showcases the impressive level of technical capability and know-how offered at U.S. Honda dealerships, as exemplified by our inaugural champions—Southern Honda Powersports’ Joel Christensen in the Two Wheel category and Honda of Fairfield’s Jacob Curtis in the Four Wheel division. It was awesome to bring these individuals, who are typically behind the scenes, into the spotlight. We’re excited to do the same with our finalists and champions in 2026.”

National Champions from the 2025, 2026 and 2027 editions will compete for the chance to travel to Japan for the Honda Global Technician Contest in the fall of 2027.

For more information, please visit the Honda National Technician Contest website.

 

About American Honda: 
Honda began motorcycle sales in America in 1959, and today offers a full range of Honda motorcycles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and side-by-sides in the U.S. Innovative technology always has been a Honda trademark, showcasing pioneering engine and chassis design that has set the standard for excellence for more than 65 years. Honda also has announced plans for battery-electric powersports products. Honda Powersports products have been built in America for 45 years, and today, all Honda side-by-sides and ATVs are made in America at Honda manufacturing plants in Timmonsville, SC, and Swepsonville, NC, using domestic and globally sourced parts. Learn more at https://powersports.honda.com

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